Topical Encyclopedia Abimelech, a significant figure in the Old Testament, is primarily known for his tumultuous rise to power and his subsequent downfall. He was the son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal) and his concubine from Shechem, as recorded in the Book of Judges. Abimelech's account is a cautionary tale of ambition, treachery, and divine retribution.Background and Rise to Power After the death of Gideon, who had delivered Israel from the oppression of the Midianites, Abimelech sought to establish himself as a ruler over Israel. Unlike his father, who refused kingship, Abimelech was driven by a desire for power. He approached the leaders of Shechem, his maternal relatives, and persuaded them to support his claim to leadership. He argued, "Remember that I am your own flesh and blood" (Judges 9:2). With the financial backing of the Shechemites, Abimelech hired reckless adventurers to form a militia. In a brutal act of fratricide, he killed seventy of his half-brothers, the sons of Gideon, on a single stone, sparing only the youngest, Jotham, who managed to escape (Judges 9:5). This massacre secured his position, and the men of Shechem and Beth-millo crowned him king. Reign and Conflict Abimelech's reign was marked by internal strife and conflict. His rule was not divinely sanctioned, and his methods of securing power were contrary to the principles of justice and righteousness upheld in the Scriptures. Jotham, the surviving son of Gideon, delivered a parable from Mount Gerizim, warning the people of Shechem of the consequences of their actions. He likened Abimelech to a thornbush, unfit to rule over the trees, and prophesied mutual destruction between Abimelech and the Shechemites (Judges 9:7-21). True to Jotham's prophecy, discord soon arose between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem. God sent an evil spirit between them, leading to treachery and rebellion. The Shechemites set ambushes against Abimelech, and a man named Gaal son of Ebed attempted to usurp his authority (Judges 9:23-26). Downfall and Death Abimelech's downfall was as violent as his rise. In response to the rebellion, he attacked Shechem, destroying the city and sowing it with salt. However, his campaign of retribution did not end there. He besieged the city of Thebez, where many had taken refuge in a strong tower. As Abimelech approached to set the tower on fire, a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head, fatally wounding him. In his final moments, he commanded his armor-bearer to kill him with a sword to avoid the disgrace of being slain by a woman (Judges 9:50-54). Abimelech's death fulfilled Jotham's curse, demonstrating the biblical principle that those who live by violence and treachery often meet a similar end. His account serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of seeking God's guidance in leadership. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 20:8Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid. Nave's Topical Index Library Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs. Abraham A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom. No Condemnation Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487. Covenanting Confers Obligation. Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Introduction The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What does it mean that God came from Teman (Habakkuk 3:3)? | GotQuestions.orgFinancial crisis - what's a Christian to do? | GotQuestions.org Is the idea of mother nature biblical? | GotQuestions.org Rising: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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